Dios Mabalos, Naga!

As part of its Luzon university tour, “For Freedom and Social Justice” just had its Ateneo de Naga University leg on August 26 until September 2. Guest speakers were Dr. Wolf Preuss, SPD member and formerly from Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, and Jesse Robredo, Mayor of Naga City, who talked about electoral politics in Germany and the Philippines. A Bicol Progressive Forum was also held, with the theme “Reflections on Realities and Potentials for Membership and Program-based Political Parties.” As part of their dialogue series, the First Time Voters Network sponsored a forum on youth participation in political parties, tied up with the Supreme Student Government of Ateneo de Naga, and the Ateneo Debate Team. The said forum was attended by youth representatives from political parties such as Akbayan and Liberal Party. The closing ceremonies was held with a forum on the Philippine partylist system, organized by the Ateneo de Naga Institute of Politics. The guest speaker, Hon. Risa Hontiveros, gave her thoughts on the partylist system, its potentials and recent disappointments.

Wolf Preuss addresses the audience during the opening ceremonies

A guest speaker talks at the forum

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo leads the group to the opening of the exhibit

Members of the organizing committee poses for the camera with Mayor Robredo

Bicol Progressive Forum is held in the Ateneo de Naga University

Maricris Cabreros, program coordinator, gives a guided walkthrough

People listen to guided tour

Ms. Cabreros gives a spiel on the SPD history

Dr. Preuss talks at a roundtable discussion

Roundtable discussion participants exchange thoughts

FES Manila extends its warmest “Dios Mabalos” to the people of Naga!